Cheerful Sparrows

Mizushima Chikusui born in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, was a distinguished Nanga painter who played a pivotal role in the modern development of the Kyushu art scene. Training as an inner disciple under Himeshima Chikugai 姫島竹外—a lineage tracing back to the Qing dynasty master Jiang Jiapu 江稼圃—Chikusui developed a reputation for his masterful and distinctively realistic bird-and-flower, landscape, and figure paintings. After establishing a successful early career in the Kansai region and serving as a professor at the Chikugai Nanga Academy 竹外南画院, he relocated to Fukuoka Prefecture following World War II. In 1948, Chikusui founded the Mikuma Art Association 三隈画会, dedicating his later years to mentoring a new generation of artists across Kyushu and serving as a key director for the Kyushu Nanga Academy until his passing at the age of 87.

Because of their fertility, sparrows are auspicious symbols of a bountiful harvest, family harmony, and flourishing descendants. Chikusui’s choice of depicting exactly nine sparrows—a number homonymous with the letter kyū 久 for “eternity”—echoes these themes. The layout also beautifully mirrors the generational continuity: the grounded flock embodies the cautious, supportive elders, while the three birds flapping their wings in the air represent the vigorous, youthful generation. Together, these elements constitute a visual blessing for enduring family unity.

寫于碧雲樓中竹翠逸人 (painted in the Cyan Cloud Pavilion—hermit Chikusui)

(square intaglio seal) Mizushima no in 水島之印; (square relief seal) Chikusui 竹翠; (yūin: square intaglio seal) enka waga ryo 烟霞我侶; (box square intaglio seal) Ei in 栄印; (box square relief seal) Chikusui 竹翠

(front): 自畫設色喜雀之図 (self-painted colored picture of cheerful sparrows)
(verso): 竹翠逸人題 (inscribed by hermit Chikusui)